Fly Fishing - Fly Fishing Wader Reviews: 2009 Models

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Seems that there have been lots of changes to fly fishing waders in the last couple years. New seem placements, double fabrics, re-inforced knees and so on and so forth. Just curious what everyone is using these days and what they like and don't like. What manufacturers have the best models on the market, the worst models and "good enough" to get the job done. Not everyone can afford $600 waders, so I wonder what people recommend in terms of "the best" if money were no option .. and "the best" in terms of if budget is definately a consideration. And, considering the current state of the economic climate right now, compared to years past .. I have to believe that most people have a budget for waders and are probably interested in quality + value. So, does anyone have any reviews or recommendations for waders of the product options for 2009? What are you using? do you like them and would you recommend them? What models are you seeing marketed this year and considering buying? Are there any new features that really stick out as "WOW factors" or is it more of the same stuff that was already available in 2007 and 2008?

PS. What are peoples thoughts on boot foot waders vs. integrated boots with the waders?

Marcel_Karssies · Location: Enschede - The Netherlands

My first pair of waders came from Cabelas, those lasted a couple
of seasons. In the end the seams wore out and it was exit Cabela.
The next brand was Orvis, their Silver Label waders.

Like my previous wader it was a wader with attached boots.
The material was thinner, more comfortable to wear.
The plus side of the attached boots was that you where in no time ready to fish, the bad thing was that the boots did not give support to the feet.
The Silver label did not last that long.
The rubber of the boot was of inferior quality, a crack appeared on top of the boot.

Allthough Orvis gear sometimes lacked quality they always stood
behind their product so it was replaced, this time I opted for a bootfoot
model and got a pair clearwater wadingshoes to go along.

Having just one pair of waders was a bit tricky especially if you where on an extended fishing trip so I opted to get a second pair.
This time I shopped locally and got one of those zippered waders from vision. Pretty handy when you had to take a leak.
The vision wader was very expensive, it really hurt the wallet.
I was quite dissapointed when it sprang a leak while sliding down a riverbank.
When I repaired the leak I noticed that there where no spare patches with the wader delivered, I instead used the material that came with the Orvis.
In the end this wader began to take water in because seams had worn away.

I returned to the Orvis Silver label wader and when they introduced a newer model I bought one older model that was on sale.

There are many waders on the market and everybody has an opinion on
one or the other brand.
It is difficult to judge those opinions.
If somebody does not fish that often or in forgiving circumstances waders will last a long time.
I use them a lot so sooner or later they are totalled.

Since I am hard on waders I will refrain from buying expensive ones, I try my luck with the mid-priced range from a brand that gives good service.

kory_k · Location: New York, NY

If money is no object, Simms G4 Pro (no zipper) $499.95. They are loaded with features. Full goretex with 5 layers from the waist down front and back and 3 layers elsewhere. Seams are on the front to prevent wear. Zippered fleece lined handwarmer pocket. Tippet spool pockets & retractor built in so you can fish out of them without a vest if you don't need a lot of stuff. Belt loops all the way around so you keep the belt in place when taking on or off. Full size range available also which is key if you are paying top dollar so you have the perfect fit for maximum comfort (including two different foot sizes for several models). This wader is the cadillac imho. If you think you need the zipper, then you can buck up to the $699. I have these waders now and have been using them for about a year and love all of the features. Also have the size 12 foot on a large wader which made a huge improvement for me in comfort.

As far as new, cool features I think patagonia takes it there. They came up with a merino wool grid lined bootie. It is designed to prevent that clammy, cold, wet feeling that plain neoprene tends to have when you are in them for extended periods. This will be especially nice during the steelhead season for extra warmth and comfort on the feet which is where you tend to get cold. The patagonia removable suspender system isn't new but they made it easier to use with plastic buckles and this system is quite nice especially in warmer weather when you can make them a waist high.

As far as a less expensive model, Simms has a huge range these days and they offer a pretty good option that is still goretex in the headwaters wader. It comes in at $299 which is a pretty good price for a goretex wader. One step below that is the freestone at $199 which isn't goretex but has another material simms has come out with using their "quadralam" technology. For the price this is a good wader.

For Bootfoot waders, which I think are far and above the best option in very cold conditions (perfectly matched for steelhead fishing). Simms has handsdown the best option out there. Their extream bootfoot which was introduced once and then recalled because of lamination issues. The reintroduction was made after the issue was resolved. I have used these extensively for my steelhead fishing from last fall through winter into spring and they are awesome. They have a muck boot on them which is insulated and rated to 40 below zero. Your feet stay super toasty. The upper wader is a lighter weight toray material that works well if you add sufficient insulation underneath. They aren't cheap either though and come in at $399.95. If you fish a lot in cold weather though I wouldn't go with anything else.

Got a little carried away on this one, but those are my thoughts. Love to hear what anyone else thinks.